Rédaction Africa Links 24 with lexpress
Published on 2024-03-09 02:45:00
President Rajoelina also asks women to check their registration on the electoral roll and to go vote.
The President of the Republic encourages women to run for the upcoming elections, especially the legislative ones. Addressing political entities, he asks them to prioritize women as flag bearers.
Women on the frontline. Among the speakers at the ceremony marking International Women’s Day yesterday in Toamasina, President Andry Rajoelina addressed the topic of the political arena. He called on women to engage more in politics, especially to run for elected office.
In his speech, the resident of Iavoloha thus encouraged women to stand as candidates in the upcoming elections, particularly the legislative elections whose schedule has already been set. He also extended this call to political entities, urging them to prioritize women in the selection of their candidates.
“The legislative elections will take place soon. I encourage women to stand as candidates. Similarly, I ask you, political parties, to prioritize the presentation of women as candidates as much as possible,” declared the President of the Republic. He even encourages voting for women who will run in the upcoming elections, where the only official position at stake so far is the deputy.
Among the speakers of the day, Issa Sanogo, Resident Coordinator of the United Nations System (UNS), extended his “congratulations” to the government and the presidential couple “for all the efforts made in favor of gender equality, respect, and protection of the rights of women and girls.” However, he emphasizes that there are “many opportunities to seize.”
The UN diplomat notes that there are still “efforts to be made to progress towards achieving gender equality.” He mentions, among other things, “the effective and equal participation of women in political, social, and economic activities, in order to strengthen their empowerment,” adding that this also concerns “the representation of women in decision-making bodies.”
Financing
The call made by President Rajoelina clearly aligns with this goal of increasing women’s participation in political life. Regarding the representation of women in decision-making bodies, the President of Iavoloha emphasizes that he already sets an example within the presidential institution.
“Personally, when it comes to appointing a person to a position of responsibility, I prioritize women when they have the necessary skills and experience for the position. This is the case within the Presidency of the Republic, where 90% of directors are women,” says Andry Rajoelina. “I am convinced that promoting women’s rights and supporting their empowerment will contribute to the proper functioning of society and the development of the country,” he adds.
This viewpoint is also shared by Issa Sanogo. “You will agree with me that sustainable and balanced development is not possible as long as the rights, health, and well-being of women, especially the most vulnerable, are not at the heart of our priorities. It is therefore important that we seize together the opportunities that arise,” says the UNS Resident Coordinator.
One of the obstacles to achieving gender equality by 2030 at the global level, according to diplomat Sanogo, is “the alarming lack of funding for expenses devoted to measures in favor of gender equality.” Andry Rajoelina acknowledges that there is still a long way to go in the quest for gender equality. “Regarding Madagascar in particular, I dare to affirm that significant steps have been taken and will continue to be taken,” he asserts.
The President of the Republic announces that support for the empowerment of women, especially the most vulnerable, will be among the priorities of the state budget. “I am aware of the challenges facing the majority of women. Together, we will provide solutions. Together, we will overcome the obstacles that hinder the development of women,” he affirms.
Garry Fabrice Ranaivoson
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